If anyone asked me what changed most in homes recently, I would cite laundry room features.

And I’d need to credit new home builders and home renovators who are adding more functional — and at the same time more customized — laundry room features. Colored laundry appliances. Special large sinks. Integrated or hidden appliances. Laundry rooms that are multi purpose and combined with other uses. These are some of the features. Of course, it all depends on space.

When we renovated our house I took a marginally functional room, which doubled as an entry from the garage, and added a main coat closet for ourselves and guests.… Continue Reading

From a small cupboard to a large open area there are numerous options for linen closet organization.

Linen storage is one of those do-your-best propositions because houses often lack really ample space for stashing sheets, pillows and extra blankets for every bed, or towels for each bath. Unless you’re lucky enough to have an old house with a walk-in linen closet or a droolworthy linen room with built-in cupboards, almost any armoire, a salvage cabinet (or even a bookshelf) can do the job. Putting together a system of linen closet organization is a matter of creating available real estate combined with effective, practical tactics for using it.… Continue Reading

Laundry room built ins are fitted to the space and that’s the direction laundry rooms are taking these days.

When I was designing my laundry room I wanted to take advantage of the 13-foot length of the space to build the longest possible counter. I knew that space would be invaluable for folding clothes and linens and, as a result, I created a few laundry room built ins, including a bank of drawers, a wine refrigerator, and a front loading washer and dryer fitted below a stone counter. During the year before the renovation, I’d had a laundry room with a top loading washer and dryer, no counter whatsoever, and a freestanding plastic laundry sink.… Continue Reading

Earlier this year, Mr. AM accidentally knocked over a drip filter cone of hot espresso coffee that was brewing on the counter. The scalding liquid and fine grounds splattered all over the front of his chinos. Fortunately he wasn’t burned but the spill was so bad he had to remove his pants in the laundry room. I forgot about them for a few days and when I recovered, they looked destined for the cutter pile. But I had recently purchased a Miele washing machine (3035) and dryer, an investment in making life easier when my 9 year-old washer failed.… Continue Reading

In a room that doubles as an entry or walkthrough space, hidden laundry appliances keep things elegant.

The set up for this formal laundry room is perfect for a walk-through space or one seen from the main living area due to the hidden laundry appliances. Custom cabinets are painted a soft gray color that compliments highlights in the slate tile floor. I’m seeing more rooms painted in a single color including walls, trim and ceiling, and finding it more attractive each time. The washer and dryer each have their own given closet with a framed lattice door for ventilation. While it’s visually stunning, I imagine getting heavy, wet laundry from the washer to the dryer isn’t much fun. … Continue Reading

Simple details change a space, taking a chore from drab to fab.

Were it not missing a window, one would never suspect this vintage inspired laundry space was located in a basement. Homeowner Beth Schaleben started by selecting the perfect perk-me-up color based on Devine Color’s “Steamer” she had seen in a magazine. The skirted wooden counter would receive all the oohs and aahs were it not for the vintage fabric bleach sign discovered in a fellow junker’s stash. It’s a fantastic piece that adds color and off the chart personality.

Schaleben used an ebony stain on the new pine counter for a mocha appearance. … Continue Reading